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The upcoming 2014 Cadillac ELR electric vehicle will feature a regenerative braking system that includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters meant to add some fun to the driving experience. Paddle shifters in normal cars are tasked with changing transmission’s gears. In the ELR’s case, the paddles boost the effectiveness of the regenerative brakes, mimicking the sensation of downshifting in a normal gas-powered car.

Cadillac is calling the feature “Regen on Demand.” The ELR’s regenerative brakes will operate normally when the car is coasting, but the driver can then activate Regen on Demand by pulling back a paddle shifter. The goal here is to make the drive more engaging (through the twisties, for example) and to recapture more energy for the battery pack. Regen on Demand won’t bring the ELR to a full stop and is deactivated once the driver releases the paddle shifter.

The 2014 ELR made its official debut at the Detroit auto show earlier this year. The coupe will be Caddy’s first range-extended EV, and essentially shares its powertrain with the Chevrolet Volt. Its 16-kWhr battery and electric motors (rated at 154 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque) will provide up to 35 miles of full-electric range before the 1.4-liter engine generator kicks in. The ELR is expected to arrive in showrooms by early 2014.